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If You Build It ...

Dwier Brown (Goodreads Author)

4.64 · Rating details · 151 ratings · 43 reviews

If You Build It... is a funny and moving memoir about Fathers, Fate and Field of Dreams. Dwier Brown played Kevin Costner's father for five minutes at the end of the movie Field of Dreams. Despite being an actor for 35 years and performing in hundreds of other films, plays and television shows, it was those five minutes that changed his life. Since the movie's release in 1 ...more

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Paperback, 264 pages

Published April 2014 by Elsie Jean Books

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· 151 ratings · 43 reviews

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Apr 11, 2016 Joyce rated it really liked it

Shelves: memoir, set-in-the-midwest

There are many things I don't understand about myself. One of them is the attraction I have for baseball films although I am not particularly fond of watching the game in person or on TV. "Field of Dreams" is a movie about baseball but really about family and trying to fix mistakes. It is on my list of films that I watch every year or so - always in Spring.
This past week I found myself in Iowa and persuaded my husband to take me to Dyersville where the movie set has remained with a baseball dia ...more

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Aug 22, 2016 Beverly rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016

As a fan of memoirs, baseball, and baseball movies, I really enjoyed IF YOU BUILD IT. Throughout most of the book, Brown shares stories of his relationship with his father and his experiences working on the film FIELD OF DREAMS. He also includes several stories that fans of the film have told him over the years about how the film affected their lives. Some of them are very moving.

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Sep 12, 2019 Ralph rated it really liked it

3.5 stars. Nicely written memoir with some cool "inside baseball" parts about his "Field of Dreams" scenes. We bought this book at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Va., when Mr. Brown was visiting minor league ballparks during a book tour. ...more

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Aug 13, 2019 Russ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sports

A pleasant surprise by first time author Brown about his role in the filming of "Field of Dreams". If you have not read "Shoeless Joe" or seen the movie I will refrain from spoilers. The book is an autobiography interspersed with stories of people he met as a result of his role in the movie. It was a quick read, thoroughly enjoyable. ...more

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Aug 17, 2014 Jim rated it really liked it

More than thirty years ago, I had the honor of meeting Dwier Brown through summer theatre at Ashland College (now University). At the time, in the back of my mind, I'd hoped to become a writer some day. But I never thought both of us would become published authors. I justifiably hoped Dwier would become a successful actor, and followed his career in various plays, films and TV shows from afar, spotting him in all-too-small bit parts and the occasional feature film. Of course, his "big break" hap ...more

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Apr 03, 2020 Steven Miele rated it it was amazing

If you never read any other book; or if you’re looking for your next great read; this is the book. It has made its way into the top 5 favorite books of all time for me. If you’re a fan of the film; you will love this book. Much like everyone else; I had a rocky relationship with my father growing up. One thing we have always agreed on is our love for this film. And in that love the game of baseball. I love the game; it’s my favorite game and just love it. Reading this book I found myself thinkin ...more

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Jan 27, 2020 Kat Skrien rated it it was amazing

Shelves: brown-dwier

So rarely do I say anything about the books I read, but Mr. Brown's book deserves a mention. Field of Dreams, the movie, is one of my favorites and my absolute favorite of baseball movies. I can't get through it without crying because it reminds my so much of my father, who used to take me to the Tigers' games in Detroit when I was a little girl. I was beyond shocked to find out that there are so many other people who were affected by that movie and now I don't feel so crazy when I tell people i ...more

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Feb 12, 2021 Cris Tortolano rated it it was amazing

If you build it…he will come. If you write it…they will read – or in this case, listen.

A memoir of the making of “Field of Dreams” would be in itself a gift to read, but Dwier Brown’s tome includes confessions from fans who have felt compelled to share their stories of their fathers with Mr. Brown when they recognize him from his role in the iconic film. These confessions add another layer of pathos that a straight retelling of on-set stories might not. I have long said that the audio versions o ...more

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Oct 18, 2020 Peter J rated it it was amazing

I have watched the movie over 100 times and it never gets old for me. Nor does the ending when Ray meets his father John and they share a catch with each other.I had played baseball starting in little league at the age of 7, wearing #7 to idolize my hero Mickey MantIe. I remember my Father coming to games and watch me play even though i wasnt very good with the bat, i was a better fielder. I played center field. I lost my father when i was only 8 years old. He was 50 and he never got to see me p ...more

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Jun 04, 2019 Kevin rated it it was amazing

As probably happened with many others, being a fan of the movie, “Field of Dreams,” I was extremely curious to read Dwier Brown’s experience in this classic film. Having a few acting credits myself, I related to many aspects he discussed about his acting career. Also, since I teach a college course about sports films, I expected his writing would give me more to discuss in the course. Yet, the most meaningful aspects of this book come from Dwier’s discussions of his relationship with his father. ...more

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Jul 13, 2020 Jeffrey Schwartz rated it it was amazing

If this book had been written by anyone else it would have been a very good book. The fact that Dwier Brown wrote the book, and mixed chapters between personal recollections and personal encounters, makes this an EXCEPTIONAL book. I will be the first to admit I can recall specifically my own reaction to seeing the movie and the direct effect it had on my life and the subsequent relationship with my father, however when you consider the unique position the author is in and his ability to articula ...more

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Aug 02, 2020 James Neeb rated it it was amazing

If you love Field of Dreams, you will thoroughly enjoy this wonderful book by Dwier Brown, the actor who played Kevin Costner's dad in the movie. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Brown at Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in the summer of 2019. This entertaining, thoughtful, thought-provoking book is further confirmation of what a warm, caring, and genuine person Dwier Brown is to everyone he meets. More recently, I heard that Mr. Brown was working on the audio version of this book. Other th ...more

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Mar 26, 2018 nimrodiel rated it really liked it

Shelves: bookcrossing-books, wild-releases, non-fiction, memior, 2018-books-read

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I picked it up. I found this to be a heartfelt memoir about growing up in rural Ohio, and the author's relationship with his father. Interspersed with his role as John Kinsella and the filming of Field of Dreams. He shared some of the recognition stories he has had over the years as the father from field of Dreams. All have shared how much the movie has meant to them when they saw it when they saw it the first time . I probably wouldn't have pick ...more

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Jul 04, 2019 Dave Price rated it it was amazing

I never, EVER read a book anymore....I read this in one day! Many stories of how people’s relationships with their fathers were changed after watching “Field of Dreams” and the scene with Mr. Brown. The book is wonderfully written as stories from the movie set are intertwined with both the aforementioned stories and those of Mr. Browns childhood and adolescence. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Pulaski, Va this last week. A genuine, down-to-earth man who you could see telling this story! It’ ...more

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Mar 12, 2019 Brad Weinfurter rated it it was amazing

I am a fan of the movie and had an opportunity to meet Dwier at a Northwoods League baseball game in summer of 2018. Impressed by his like ability and how friendly he was to my kids prompted me to purchase this book. I only read a couple books a year but could not put this one down! Must read to anyone who likes the movie, you will cry again only laugh as well! Wonderful stories about the movie, life in general and of course dads. A real treat! Thanks Dwier!

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Jun 21, 2014 Dan rated it it was amazing

I enjoy starting my little book synopses with backgrounds of what brought a book into my hands and it’s often a casual affair. Not this time. To understand why I had this book less than 3 minutes after I learned of its existence, it would help to understand who its author, Dwier Brown is. If you don’t know, it might help to know that he’s an actor who has, among his credits, an unforgettable role, a five minute job, in a movie that isn’t named for his character. His character isn’t a lead. In fa I enjoy starting my little book synopses with backgrounds of what brought a book into my hands and it’s often a casual affair. Not this time. To understand why I had this book less than 3 minutes after I learned of its existence, it would help to understand who its author, Dwier Brown is. If you don’t know, it might help to know that he’s an actor who has, among his credits, an unforgettable role, a five minute job, in a movie that isn’t named for his character. His character isn’t a lead. In fact, IMDb has him listed ninth in the cast list, just ahead of a character labeled as “Feed Store Farmer”.

And yet, his character is nothing less than the movie’s entire payoff.

This movie is a 1989 feature called Field of Dreams.

It is a based off a W.P. Kinsella book, Shoeless Joe, about a farmer who is inspired to rip out part of his Iowa corn field to build a baseball field. If you’ve read the book or have seen the movie, you already knew everything about this story from the famous movie line referenced by Dwier’s book title. If you haven’t, I will reveal nothing further about the novel or the Universal Pictures movie it inspired. You could read the 1982 book, but in this -exceptionally- rare case, I actually recommend the movie more highly. The last thing I’ll offer about the premise is that the genre is fantasy, but the backdrop is baseball. Dwier’s book is something different, entirely. It is a journey of exploration through the human experience and the family dynamic. Its backdrop is nothing short of love and understanding.

When I discovered Dwier Brown had written a book about his observations on life... his and the lives he’s touched through this five minute movie role, everything in the world stopped to the extent that I could hear my own heart beat in my temples. I knew would buy the paperback copy by the weekend, but this was not a situation where patience was an option: I bought the e-book version and was reading it within minutes. I have to narrow this down before I rave wildly, as this book deserves. This book explores the father/son relationship, as a function of its gifts, lessons, complexities, and challenges.

There are three concurrent threads in “If you Build It”. Dwier simultaneously weaves heart-wrenchingly personal stories from his own childhood and life, with stories from the filming of the movie, and interactions he’s had with... I would say fans of his work, and we most certainly are, but it’s so much more than that...interactions he’s had with people who have been profoundly changed and challenged by his work. Particularly the specific five minutes of his work featured in the movie, Field of Dreams.

He is fearless and open with the fabric and core of his existence as a child and young man. Dwier pours his own life out onto the pages and invites us to crawl around inside his heart, his joys, his fears, his weaknesses with his family, and his curiosities about how he fits into the narrative that his his father’s legacy and even his grandfather’s. He lovingly entrusts us with his vulnerabilities, as he shares the vulnerabilities that people, strangers, have just walked up to him and laid on him. There’s no question that a co-mingling of these deeply personal stories breed understanding, openness, and compassion. If the movie is a tear jerking fantasy, Mr. Brown’s story clearly and precisely translates that fantasy into a masterpiece of reality and the human experience of family. In doing so, he coaxes out of so many, the passionate emotions stirred by the book (that touched him, only a little more than a year before he was picked to play a role in the Hollywood version of it) and the movie that some may have felt the need to keep hidden or buried for a number of reasons.

If you are drawn to this book for the same reasons I was, you will likely find yourself on a surprising journey. You cease to be merely enchanted by the magic and myth of a movie character and you find yourself drawn in by the warmth, the kind graciousness, the humble charm, and the genuine sweetness that is Mr. Dwier Brown. It is obvious why he was chosen for the part. An actor can play a magical role, but you can’t fake Dwier’s authenticity.

Dwier Brown has crafted a beautiful gift for those who have had a deep, shockingly personal connection with Field of Dreams. I imagine you might find title in a bookstore shelved with inspirational books, but don’t do yourself the disservice for even a single heartbeat by thinking this is some sort of new age mumbo jumbo or feel-good fluff. This is as real and as relevant to the relationships between fathers and sons as anything any respected family counselor, psychologist, or cultural anthropologist could ever turn out, except that it’s written with an amount of love and honesty that will grab you by your shoulders and shake you to your core. As stunned and shocked as I was by the original fantasy story in which he played a surprising and prominent role, I was equally touched and moved by Dwier’s delicate book, marrying his life to the lives he’s helped to touch. I have never read a more touching, connective book, a finer gift of love, understanding, compassion, tenderness, and humanity, in all my life. I don’t expect that I will.

Unquestionably this book gets five stars. Maybe it deserves a little more. ...more

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Mar 25, 2019 Sharon Strouse rated it it was amazing

Besides knowing Dwier as he escaped the Sharon Center renovation(s) of his father's dream house, at Ashland 'College' - I think the book reminds me of working alongside my parents as they shared their dreams and shaped mine... Sharon Helt Strouse ...more

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Jun 29, 2019 Jeffrey Collum rated it it was amazing

Awesome job of making you feel like you were behind the scenes during the filming of the classic movie, Field of Dreams. My favorite parts of the book were when Dwier retold some stories from fans he has met through the years. Many of them brought tears to my eyes.

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Aug 18, 2019 Amber Blasl rated it it was amazing

Such a fun read! I loved the format of switching between his childhood, to his time on the set of Field of Dreams, to the people and stories he encountered along the way. I couldn't put it down and would love to read more from him. ...more

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Apr 26, 2020 Liz rated it it was amazing

Fantastic Reminiscent tale full of laughs and tears. I’m so glad he wrote this very personal memoir and shared great vivid details.

I’m so happy I bought this book at & when I visited The Field Of Dreams myself with my best friend 2 years ago. It’s all so inspiring.

Find Your Joy!

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Nov 19, 2020 Leigh Anne rated it it was amazing

Fantastic book. Mr. Brown tells his story in a beautiful and meaningful way. His story is one we can all relate to in one way or another, its heartbreaking and uplifting (and super fun to learn some of the inside info of the filming of Feild of Dreams).

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Apr 21, 2018 Ted rated it it was amazing

One of the most inspirational books that I have ever written. It makes me remember all of the wonderful amazing experiences that I had with my DAD.

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Feb 11, 2019 Jennifer Darci rated it it was amazing

This book is going on my all-time-faves list. Seriously. And I am NOT a Shoeless Joe book or Field of Dreams movie fan.

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Sep 11, 2019 Maggie Arteaga rated it really liked it

Now I love the movie even more!

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Oct 26, 2019 Jessica Schwier rated it it was amazing

Wonderful book! I read it aloud to my husband who has alzheimers. He thought it was good. Thanks Dwier!!

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Jun 06, 2020 Nick Rojas rated it it was amazing

Shelves: memoirs

A heartfelt and beautiful book to read about our connection to our fathers and the movie Field of Dreams. Thank you to Dwier Brown for writing this story.

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Aug 30, 2020 Cissie rated it it was amazing

I love, love, love this movie, watch it over and over again. Goosebumps and tears every time! I loved this book and I know it will NOT be a one-time read!

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Jan 05, 2021 Michael rated it it was amazing

Incredible.

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Aug 18, 2017 Kait rated it really liked it

This made me cry. I met the author, Dwier Brown, at the Field Of Dreams movie site, he was the father in the movie. Easy read but worth the time! I especially enjoyed the fan accounts interspersed throughout the novel.

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May 23, 2019 John Wispelwey rated it it was amazing

If you Read It...... you will be blessed by memories of your own childhood and memories of this author, actor, and fine man who weaves a story that will lift your heart, make you smile and moisten your eyes Thank you Dwier for opening up this window into your life and career.

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